The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the second Test of the ENG vs IND 2025 series, set to commence on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Following a disappointing defeat in the first Test at Leeds, where India lost by five wickets, the team management has made significant adjustments, particularly in their fielding strategy. One of the most notable changes is the removal of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal from the slip cordon during training sessions, as reported by multiple sources. This move comes after Jaiswal’s fielding errors in the first ENG vs IND Test, where he dropped four crucial catches, contributing significantly to India’s loss. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision, the implications for the team, and the broader context of India’s preparations for the upcoming ENG vs IND Test.
Background: A Costly Fielding Debacle in Leeds
The first ENG vs IND Test at Headingley was a tale of two halves for Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 23-year-old left-hander started the match on a high, scoring a brilliant 101 in India’s first innings, becoming the fifth Indian batter to score a century in his maiden Test innings in England. However, his fielding performance was a stark contrast to his batting prowess. Jaiswal dropped four catches—three in England’s first innings and one in the second—handing lifelines to key English batters like Ollie Pope, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook. These errors proved costly, as England chased down a challenging 371-run target to take a 1-0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Jaiswal’s first drop came late on Day 2, when he failed to hold onto a regulation catch off Ben Duckett at 15, allowing the opener to score 62. On Day 3, he dropped Ollie Pope at 60, who went on to score 106, and Harry Brook at 83, who fell just one run short of a century. The most critical error came in England’s second innings, when Jaiswal, fielding at deep backward square-leg, dropped Duckett on 97 off Mohammed Siraj’s bowling. Duckett capitalized on the reprieve, scoring a match-defining 149, steering England to victory. These lapses prompted widespread criticism, with fans on social media platforms like X calling for accountability and even suggesting Jaiswal be dropped from the playing XI.
Training Session Shake-Up: Jaiswal’s Removal from Slips
Ahead of the second ENG vs IND Test, India’s training session on June 30 at Edgbaston revealed a significant reshuffle in the slip cordon. According to reports from Revsportz and other outlets, Jaiswal was conspicuously absent from slip-catching drills. Instead, the slip cordon featured Karun Nair at first slip, KL Rahul at second, and captain Shubman Gill at third. Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy rotated between fourth slip and gully, indicating a potential new fielding setup for the upcoming match. Jaiswal, meanwhile, was seen practicing at close-in positions like forward short leg and silly point, under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.
This change was confirmed by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who emphasized the need for depth in India’s catching department, particularly in English conditions where slip fielding is crucial. “We always want depth in the catching department. In England, you’re always going to have four catchers at some stage in the game,” ten Doeschate said. He acknowledged Jaiswal’s usual reliability as a fielder but noted that his hands were “quite sore,” suggesting a possible injury or discomfort exacerbated by the Duke’s ball. The assistant coach also highlighted the importance of the short leg position, especially with India potentially playing two spinners in the second ENG vs IND Test, further justifying Jaiswal’s shift to a close-in role.
Reasons Behind Jaiswal’s Struggles
Several factors have been cited for Jaiswal’s fielding woes in the first ENG vs IND Test. Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif suggested that the strapping on Jaiswal’s hands, likely due to an injury, may have hindered his ability to catch effectively. “We are practicing with Duke’s ball, and when we get hurt, we put a strap,” Kaif noted, pointing out that this could have affected Jaiswal’s grip and reflexes. Former India head coach Greg Chappell, writing for ESPN Cricinfo, opined that Jaiswal’s errors were not technical but rather a result of low confidence or possible hand discomfort. “The drops I saw didn’t look technical—they just didn’t stick. It can happen to the best. That said, Jaiswal gives the impression of being low on confidence, or that he is suffering a hand injury,” Chappell wrote.
Chappell also highlighted a Dithe broader impact of white-ball cricket, where specialist slip fielders get fewer opportunities to hone their skills, making match-like practice essential. India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, oversaw intensive slip-catching drills during the training session, focusing on flat catches to sharpen the team’s reflexes. Jaiswal’s individual practice with Gambhir and ten Doeschate suggests a targeted effort to rebuild his confidence, possibly in a less pressure-intensive position like silly point.
New Slip Cordon: Who’s In?
The revamped slip cordon for the second ENG vs IND Test includes experienced players and promising newcomers. Below is a table summarizing the likely fielding positions based on training observations:
Position | Player(s) |
|---|---|
First Slip | Karun Nair |
Second Slip | KL Rahul |
Third Slip | Shubman Gill (Captain) |
Fourth Slip/Gully | Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Kumar Reddy |
Karun Nair, who took a sharp catch in the first Test, brings experience to the first slip position. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, both reliable fielders, anchor the second and third slip positions, respectively. Sai Sudharsan, who debuted in the first Test, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, a standout performer in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, add versatility to the cordon, rotating between fourth slip and gully. This setup reflects India’s intent to strengthen their fielding, a critical factor after dropping eight catches in the Leeds Test.
Implications for Jaiswal and Team India
Jaiswal’s removal from the slip cordon does not diminish his importance to the team as a batter. His century in the first ENG vs IND Test underscored his value as an opener, and his aggressive batting style remains a cornerstone of India’s strategy. However, the fielding lapses have put him under scrutiny, with some fans and analysts questioning his place in the XI. Posts on X, such as one by @CricCrazyJohns, highlighted the slip cordon shuffle, while @toisports shared footage of India’s sharp catching drills, signaling a proactive response to the Leeds debacle.
The move to reposition Jaiswal at forward short leg or silly point could serve multiple purposes. These positions require quick reflexes but less sustained pressure than slips, potentially allowing Jaiswal to regain confidence. Additionally, with India considering two spinners for the Edgbaston Test, close-in fielders become crucial for catching edges off spin bowling. This strategic shift could help Jaiswal contribute effectively while addressing his current fielding challenges.
Broader Context: India’s Quest to Level the Series
India’s defeat in the first ENG vs IND Test exposed vulnerabilities in their fielding and lower-order batting, with collapses of 7 for 41 and 6 for 31 proving costly. The team’s training focus on batting practice for bowlers and intensive fielding drills indicates a comprehensive effort to address these weaknesses. Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled full tilt in the nets, remains a pivotal figure, despite concerns about his workload management. The inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the slip cordon also suggests a potential lineup change, possibly replacing Shardul Thakur, who underperformed in Leeds.
As India prepare for the second Test, the emphasis on sharper fielding is clear. The Edgbaston pitch, known for offering assistance to both pace and spin, will test India’s adaptability. With Jaiswal likely fielding in a new role and a rejigged slip cordon, the team aims to seize every opportunity in a must-win game to level the series.
Looking Forward
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s removal from the slip cordon ahead of the second ENG vs IND Test reflects a strategic response to India’s fielding woes in Leeds. While his batting remains a strength, the team management’s decision to reposition him at forward short leg or silly point aims to rebuild his confidence and leverage his reflexes in a less demanding role. With a new slip cordon featuring Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, India is poised to address their fielding lapses. As the second Test looms, the Men in Blue are focused on redemption, aiming to level the series and restore their reputation as a formidable Test side.
